New Delhi: The much-awaited mobile services in Jammu and Kashmir were launched on August 20 with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee receiving the first call from the state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar.

Speaking at a launch function at his residence, he said that cell phone services were not just for the elite and affluent but had been effective in reducing distances and bringing people closer.

"I am happy that the promise I had made has been fulfilled today," Vajpayee said.

"On August 15, I had said that Jammu and Kashmir's atmosphere is changing, and the launch of mobile services is a step in that direction," he said.

He said that emphasis was being made on bringing a connectivity revolution in the country and the road programme was also to this effect.

"We want to get Railway to the Valley so that commuting becomes easy," Vajpayee said.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL)'s cellular services are being rolled out in Jammu and Kashmir in a phased manner, starting with Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.

PTI